Long-term somatic side-effects and morbidity in testicular cancer patients.
In order to evaluate long-term somatic morbidity after treatment for testicular cancer 149 patients with NED greater than or equal to 3 years answered a questionnaire. The patients had been treated with surgery only (32 patients, radiotherapy only (39 patients), cisplatin-based chemotherapy plus surgery (46 patients) or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy with or without surgery (32 patients). Raynaud-like phenomena were the most frequent side-effect occurring significantly more often after cisplatin-based chemotherapy than after surgery or radiotherapy (33/72 patients versus 5/68 patients). Peripheral sensory 'neuropathy' was reported by 18% of all the patients. Seventeen per cent and 11% complained of pulmonary symptoms and auditory symptoms, respectively. Gastrointestinal side-effects were more frequent after any type of cytotoxic therapy than after surgery only (34/47 patients versus 5/22 patients). Twenty-six patients had fathered children after treatment. About 80% of the patients were in full time wage-earning activity when they answered the questionnaire. In conclusion, 3-7 years after treatment for testicular cancer, 30-50% of the patients had minor somatic complaints whereas serious side-effects seldom occurred.
Aass
N
N
Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, Oslo.
Kaasa
S
S
Lund
E
E
Kaalhus
O
O
Heier
M S
MS
Fosså
S D
SD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000209:etiology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors